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Topic: 2012 / 13 World Club Soccer Thread (Read 6496 times)

Speaking of the Most treatment Impact's quest to win the Champions League CONCACAF title, they fell short of the mark in a 5-3 (aggregate) loss to Club America of Mexico.

Before a capacity record crowd of 63,000 plus fans at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, the Impact took the lead on an Ignacio Piatti goal. Piatti wowed the crowd as he weaved in and around the Mexican defenders near the goal area. But, for the rest of the way, Club America showcased why they are called a premier soccer club, as they eventually routed the Impact with successive goals.

Montreal had it's chances but failed to take advantage of Club America's weak play early on, before the Mexicans put on a show.

It was the only time that a Canadian-based MLS team came to play in a CONCACAF final.

Club America now advances to the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be comprised of winners from other FIFA could federations which includes the UEFA Champions League winner.

FIFA has officially expanded the World Cup from the traditional 32 countries to 48 -- an extra 16 countries would qualify.

Good or bad, the move will have it's benefits and it's downsides. Not all soccer aficionados are happy about this expansion. It will take effect for the 2026 World Cup.

More revenue, more television coverage, more soccer, more qualifications, more fans, a greater elevation of the game like never before, the World Cup is slated to get bigger and better than ever. But...

...there could also see a devaluation of the quality of the games played, too many nations, too many games, a tight schedule for players (and fans) alike, less dramatic results and less intensity onfield in terms of the types/styles of soccer played, etc.